Jun. 18, 2013

Coloradoan library

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With the number of swift-water rescues increasing, Poudre Fire Authority officials are urging river users to use common sense on the water.

Crews most recently saved two men who got stuck between debris and rushing water Saturday while tubing down the Poudre River. The rescue was the seventh in the past five weeks, according to PFA spokesman Patrick Love.

“People can easily underestimate how strong moving water is, especially the way the Poudre has right now reached its peak flow for the season,” Love said.

One of the most important safety precautions a person can take, other than wearing a personal flotation device, Love said, is to not attempt a rescue if you see someone struggling in fast-moving water.

“Call 911 and try to find something you can reach them with, like a branch or a tool or long rope,” Love said. “Under no circumstances enter the moving water to rescue someone who is trapped.”

Other safety tips include:

• Scout downriver to locate hazards and always have another person with you when entering moving water.

• Be aware of the fact water conditions change daily; hazards that aren’t visible one day can appear the next day.